Amidst the spirit of holiday giving, City College donated some $22,425 in faculty and staff pledges to the Santa Barbara community through its involvement with the United Way.

United Way is a charity program that works with partners like City College to fundraise for non-profit organizations around the world.

City College has been working hand-in-hand with United Way this year to fundraise for local businesses such as Girls Inc., AIDS Housing S.B., YMCA, the Unity Shoppe and many more.

“It’s fantastic. We have a great, enthusiastic team,” said committee member Sara Fargo. “Everyone at one point has asked ‘How can I help?'”

The charity event kicked off with the “Day of Caring” at Friendship Plaza, where members of the community participated in activities such as making props for “Boo at the Zoo,” re-painting children’s murals, revamping benches at the Salvation Army and cleaning and gardening at various local schools.

As of Nov. 8, the committee raised approximately 65 percent of its $34,500 goal.

-Lyndsey Fellows